The reality, though, is that it takes a layered approach to adequately address the issue. Any real and effective security isn't accomplished just by:

Buying a loud, scary looking dog

Putting bars on the windows

Posting a "This house protected by Remington" sign on the front door

Planting thorny bushes under each window

Paying for an expensive security system

Your home security plan might include some of these (the sign is definitely not a good idea!), but other steps as well.

Bear in mind, too, that we're not just talking about security and defense in a grid down, no "rule of law" situation. This stuff applies to our day-to-day lives as well.

There are different ways to look at and approach the home security puzzle but I like to boil it down to three basic layers – Deter, Delay, and Defend.